英国汽车协会-2020年英国汽车贸易报告：后疫情时代的风险与机遇（英文）-2020.7-31页_5mb

Summary of RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES: UK Automotive Trade in a Post-COVID World

Core Content

This report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) provides an in-depth analysis of the UK automotive trade in 2019, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global and UK automotive sectors, and outlines key recommendations for future trade policy to support the industry's recovery and growth.

Main Points and Key Information

2019 UK Automotive Trade Performance

• The UK automotive trade reached over £100 billion for the third consecutive year.
• Despite a sectoral trade deficit of £15.5 billion, the sector maintained its position as the UK's largest exporter of industrial goods.
• The share of imported cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the UK market hit a record high, with imported LCVs accounting for 95.8% of new registrations.
• The EU remained the dominant export and import market, with over 78% of new imported cars and 55% of exported cars going to EU countries.
• UK exports of engines hit a record surplus of £2 billion, despite a 10.1% drop in value.
• The trade in automotive parts and components slightly declined in 2019 by 3.4%, but the trade deficit for this segment reduced by 1.5% to £7.8 billion.

Impact of the Pandemic

• The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic caused a global economic shock, with international trade expected to fall between -13.0% and -32.0% in 2020.
• The UK automotive sector was severely impacted, with new car registrations in April 2020 dropping by more than -97.0% due to lockdown measures.
• The sector is now facing the challenge of restarting and recovering from the crisis, which has disrupted global supply chains and consumer demand.

Trade Policy Recommendations

• Place Automotive at the Forefront of a Long-Term Trade Strategy: Ensure the sector is central to the UK's future trade plans.
• Secure Ambitious Deals with Key Trading Partners: Maintain preferential access to markets like the EU, USA, Japan, and China.
• Defuse International Trade Tensions: Address ongoing trade disputes and reduce barriers to trade.
• A Trade Agenda Backed by UK Automotive Businesses: Develop policies that reflect the industry's needs and capabilities.
• Deliver on Business Market Access Needs: Ensure fair and open access to international markets.
• Capture Global Growth: Position the UK to benefit from emerging markets and technological advancements.
• Facilitate Business-Friendly Customs Processes: Streamline procedures to support trade efficiency.
• Build Flexibility and Resilience: Strengthen the sector's ability to adapt to future disruptions.
• Align UK Trade and Automotive Industrial Strategy Ambitions: Ensure coherence between trade and industrial policy.
• Support the Industry's Recovery from COVID-19 Disruption: Provide financial and policy support to aid the sector's return to normal operations.

Conclusion

The UK automotive industry is a vital part of the national economy, with a strong export base and a key role in global trade. While the pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption, the sector's resilience and strategic importance underscore the need for a comprehensive and forward-looking trade policy. Securing a free trade agreement with the EU and maintaining strong trade relationships with other global partners are essential for the industry's long-term sustainability and growth.